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EDITORIAL |
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EDITORIAL |
In the twelve year period after the
restoration of democracy none of the two bigger political parties of Nepal are represented
in the government for the first time. Since they had developed a mind set that they were
the only people who could rule the country, they have not been able to live up with the
changed situation. Moreover, being accustomed to loot the country as partners in crime,
whether in the treasury bench or in the opposition, they still cannot adjust themselves
with the changed political scenario. Since they do not see any possibility of getting to
chair of authority till the general elections, whenever they take place, they are getting
apprehensive that they might have to contest the elections without the active support of
the government machinery and media, the government treasury and the big donations from
business community and their black business colleagues. With their black records, they are
sure to be rejected by the electorate and they might not even win respectable
representation in the parliament. The possibility of confronting such a situation has not
only made them nervous but totally deprived them of their wholesome sense of judgment, and
they have gone almost berserk. That's why they have started spitting venom against the
King. At a time when the country is being relentlessly plagued by violent insurgency the
prime duty of all patriotic Nepalese is to join hands for common endeavor to restore peace
and normalcy in the country. It is indeed, a great pity that the leaders of these two
bigger political parties are unable to rise above their personal and partisan interest
when the country is facing the gravest danger. That they themselves are mainly responsible
for generating such a situation by their antinational behavior, has been exposed not only
to their own countrymen but to all donor countries and friends of Nepal as well. They can
stage big demonstrations as they have billions and billions of looted money but they can
no more hoodwink the poor-people of Nepal and the world by their glib promises. It has
become imperative that all those who wish Nepal well should no more support these
self-centered corrupt politicians in the name of democracy. The whole world is being
bedeviled by the scourge of terrorism and our poor country has been embroiled in
devastating insurgency. Instead of cooperating with the government to jointly fight the
common enemy and arrest the degrading situation, trying to aggravate the instability
could, never be termed a constructive behavior, King Gyanendra is fully aware of their
intentions and would never be cowed down by their vacant threats. Except these handful of
such disgruntled politicians the overwhelming majority of Nepalese people are pining for
peace and are behind King Gyanendra is his efforts to restore normalcy in the country. The
country is waiting to see the new government bring the Maoists to negotiating table so
that all violence and vandalism is stopped and general elections are conducted in the most
free and fair imanner not hitherto witnessed. * *
* The King's reception at the Royal Palace
for the members of the new government last Saturday must have tasted a little bitter for
them who have even an iota of self pride. Even after two months, the leader of the new
government Lokendra Bahadur Chand has not been able to tell the nation why is he there,
what he wants to achieve and when. Because of the twelve years of oppressive misrule and
mismanagement which has pushed the country into a devastating civil war, the King was
forced to dismiss the so called democratic government. And if the caretaker government of
the so called clean and honest men sits complacent only enjoying the goodies of the
office, it may be difficult for them to justify the Royal action. At a time when almost
the whole world is geared up to fight terrorism, that they should be unable to build up a
sympathetic environment to crush terrorism and expose all those who are aiding and
abetting terrorism in Nepal would not augur well for them. Can we hope the Chand
government will gird up its loin and unitedly work to restore peace and normalcy in the
country as early as possible so that they can pave the way for holding the general
elections at the earliest. * *
* After all the twelfth SAARC Summit had to
be postponed sine die. This has not surprised any body at all. Whether SAARC will ever
attain the status of ASEAN or other regional organizations no body can say for sure. Most
of the founding fathers of the SAARC must be turning in their graves at the pitiable
plight of their baby. Looking at the attitude of the biggest partner of the organization
the question that emerges topmost in our minds is "why did they have to agree
to its formation if it is to be put to continual sabotage?" That the organization has
not been able to reach a take off stage even after seventeen years of its existence is
indeed a very sorry affair. By subverting the SAARC Summit, if the Indians are thinking
that they have punished their arch rival — host for the Summit — they are
greatly mistaken. It is not Pakistan, but other smaller members of the organization who
would be harmed if the organization dies a premature death. We just cannot understand what
India gains by creating such periodic hurdles in the smooth running of the SAARC. Let us
hope, good sense prevails and the Indians will relent to attend the Summit whenever
Pakistan proposes a new date. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
